Wednesday, August 17, 2016

These trips continue to provide our students with invaluable learning experiences unrivaled by any school or program anywhere, and, as noted by colleagues and stakeholders worldwide, are WNE’s signature academic offering.

--Dr. Dan Covell

I could hardly believe that I was actually in attendance at
events of the Olympic Games; it was surreal…and the best 11 days of my life!

--Paul Harris

This Seminar Abroad influenced my perspective on sport, especially
the value and importance of sports beyond the “Big Four.”Also, I’ve seen how sport can unify people
around the world.

--Chelsea Johnson

It was an amazing experience to go to the Olympics that will
forever be a great memory in my life, and I cannot wait to tell my story for years
to come.

--Tyler Kasuba

The cultural contrasts between Brazil and the U.S. forced me
to step out of my comfort zone, which I did and I can honestly say for the
better.

--Kevin McLaughlin

Everything was amazing and incredible.It is hard to explain, but I feel like a new
person through this experience.

--Emily Painter

Because of this trip, I am now a fan of table tennis,
fencing, and rowing; three sports that I never in my life thought that I would
appreciate and enjoy.

--Jeremy Proto

Every day was filled with a brand new experience, and I will
never have another trip this packed with adventure and excitement.

--Francesco Siniscalchi

Every day was packed with fun-filled activities and I would
not want it to be any other way; also, being able to make a difference in the
favela was something that I will never forget!

--Erika Sheinhait

I saw and learned so much in the 11 days we spent in Rio;
from learning Portuguese and interacting with children in the favela to
attending events, I had the time of my life!

--Rickie Rizos

I got to see the best athletes in the world perform at one
of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

--Ryan Smith

It was incredible to attend my first Olympics, which I
watched on television previously.To
actually be there physically, though, is a moment that I will never forget.

--Michael Spratt

This Seminar Abroad went above and beyond my expectations time and
time again with just how amazing every moment was.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

We arrived at JFK in NYC today around 6 a.m. after a nine-hour, overnight flight from Rio, bringing to a close another outstanding edition of the CISB Seminar Abroad program. In accordance with tradition, the group always takes a final photo-op upon landing stateside -- here at the International Arrivals Terminal -- to evidence our safe return.

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Agenda: Visit to the famous Pedra do Telégrafo, Delegation closing ceremonies, return to States

This morning, Rodrigo had a surprise treat in store for us when he took us on a 45-minute hike up a steep mountain trail behind the Pousada in Barra de Guaratiba. Despite the challenging climb, the view from the top was nothing short of spectacular, and the rock ledge near the top provided one of the best photo-op locations in Rio!

You can see the NBC Today Show segment with Natalie Morales and Jenna Bush here--> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYeJe7ZGBdg and if you look carefully you can see some of our crew in the background. Also, at the very end there is a shout out of sorts to Paul St. Pierre at about 2:09.